This will be my first Dodge Ram. I not sure what to look for when purchasing used but a buddy of mine is selling his Ram 1500 5.9L in excellent condition for $6000. He is meticulous about maintenance as well. New tires and have not had any issues with it except the heater does not work.

My concerns are that I have been reading mixed reviews about the 2000 Dodge Rams. Major complaints being Transmission issues. should I be concern about this? The mileage is 96K and he has used it to tow about 4 times a month and highway travel.

I really dont want to deal with major repairs. So, what should I look for and how can I bullet proof this vehicle so that I can get 300k out of it or more?

THanks in advanced.

 

There will be MAJOR repairs for 300k.. Check the plenum.. If it hasnt been fixed you can plan on the plenum and a new cat and PCV... Dont tow with OD on.. Dont throw giant tires on without regearing and keep up with regular oil change intervals.. Engine,trans,axles etc... Even with that I have a hard time seeing the trans making it to 300k.. The motor should without an issue..

 

Only way to bullet-proof it is to DO the major repairs, and include upgrades..... Not gonna get 300K out of it without at least rebuilding the engine and trans at least once.

 

Ive got a trans that you could put in and never have to worry about it again... Needs to get gone... Just throwin that out there

 

What other half ton truck of the same era is bullet proof to 300K?

Sounds like a good condition rig based on the brief description. Everything that is 13 years old is going to need shiz done to it, even this very low mileage one you're considering.

Typical things to look for are plenum gasket. They don't always fail though. Transmissions will walk the wild side upon slightest overheat. If this is 4x4, then the front central axle disconnect (CAD) can go awry. Vacuum lines like to break and wreak some havoc. Gremlins really like to mess with the heater core, but not before bashing in the dash cover.

Not to scare ya at all, but what's a comparable half ton truck for that money in your region?

 

What kind of tranny would do that for me and how much? Do I have to go to Dodge to get this done? I live in Orlando, FL.

 

Check Kelly Blue Book, it's a great rescource (as long as the vehicle is stock, it doesn't take into account extras like lift kits).

The automatic trannys are rather vulnerable to abuse; however, normal tasks it should hold up well enough. My 2001 has the 5.9 and an auto as well, with 230,000 miles on it and no problems. The meanest thing I do to it though, is outrun the punk at the light....

However, the truck in my sig I drove like I stole her, and I've put 3 trannys in her. You gotta pay to play......

 

2wd or 4wd?
$6000 seems a little bit high. shop around some and compare prices on craigslist from private sellers only.

its probably a very nice truck but he's asking a lot for it. make sure its not over-priced for your area.

 

+1, i bought my 2001 offroad edition with only 77k miles back in september for $7000. The truck was in gorgeous shape, nearly flawless interior, all new brake lines, no frame rust, etc. The only thing wrong with it was it needed a little body work on the bottoms of the doors. If the guy is asking $6k for it, offer him $5000 and see what you can do.

 

ITs an 4WD. Kelly Blue Book has it for $8668. He brought it to a good mechanic in our area and the only thing that does not work is the heat. So he dropped the price to $6k. I will see it today and drive it.